SPECIAL EVENT: We spent "An Evening With Don Hertzfeldt"

I'm sorry if you missed out on the show, but man, was it great. This show at 19th Street Theatre included animated films that have already become Hertzfeldt classics (he's only 33), like "Billy's Balloon" and "Rejected Film". The night's special event was "I'm so proud of you", the sequel to "Everything will be OK".

Hertzfeldt is really showing a lot of narrative maturity with these two films (part three of this trilogy is still to come). He touches on the subtle nuances of being human. From those awkward moments when you spit out your gum in conversation, to those deep personal reflections on your own existence...or the existence of a manatee staring at you from your calendar. The film really takes you on a ride that's a psychological reflection of life, death and family. But somehow, as deep as this sounds, you never feel like you're diving into a place you don't want to be. Hertzfeldt does such a good job at gently taking us through an emotional cycle, that, inevitably, you feel like you have spent half the night laughing.

Now, as if all these wonderful animations were not enough, the cherry on top of the evening was a Q&A session with the man himself, Don Hertzfeldt. Questions ranged from the techincal process and narrative procedures to what has internet video done for his films and why doens't Hertzfeldt take on corporate gigs. Mr. Hertzfeldt was wonderfully well spoken and, which is all ways a pleasant surprise, very unpretentious and down to earth. There was no claim from himself of being someone special, or ridiculously talented. Instead, his only self-credit was that he worked very hard to make these films. And, knowing the process of traditional animation, he really does work tirelessly.

Bottom line is, if you missed hearing the man speak, you probably missed out on something special that won't return to the Lehigh Valley for a long time (although I hope that's not the case). But, please take the time to watch any Don Hertzfeldt film you can. All will make you laugh, and some will even make you reflect.